Healthcare Management and Health Information Technology Degrees Now Available Online from Ultimate Medical Academy

TAMPA, Fla., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the growing demand for allied health professionals, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) has expanded its array of healthcare training programs with two new associate degrees. Prospective students throughout the U.S. can now enroll in online healthcare degree programs leading to an Associate of Science in Healthcare Management or an Associate of Science in Health Information Technology.

UMA's healthcare training programs are ideal for individuals looking to enter the healthcare field, providing education in an employment sector that continues to exhibit strong growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, half of today's 20 fastest-growing occupations are in healthcare, reflecting the increased need for medical care among an aging baby boomer population(1).

Prospective students can prepare for many popular allied health careers through UMA, which offers a variety of online healthcare degree programs and diploma options in addition to its campus-based training in Tampa and Clearwater, Florida. Through online programs like the new Associate Degree in Healthcare Management and Associate Degree in Health Information Technology, UMA empowers students nationwide to earn valuable healthcare credentials.

"Like all of UMA's healthcare training programs, the new online Health Information Technology and Healthcare Management degree programs are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge required for entry-level positions in the allied health field," said Dr. S. David Vaillancourt, Online Director of Education at Ultimate Medical Academy. "Our instructors all have industry-relevant experience, so they understand the needs of today's employers and are dedicated to providing students with the solid foundation they need to launch their career. And because we have earned Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accreditation, graduates can be confident that their degree will be recognized throughout the industry."

Each of the new healthcare degree programs can be completed in as few as 18 months, and prepares graduates to pursue relevant entry-level jobs:

Associate of Science in Healthcare Management - Based on occupational trends, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical and health services managers will grow 16% through 2018, which is faster than the average for other career fields(2). UMA's curriculum provides instruction in how to use practice management software and apply essential decision-making, communication, organization, planning and management skills. The program also prepares students to sit for the Certified Medical Manager-Academic (CMM-A) examination offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM).

Associate of Science in Health Information Technology - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections suggest that employment of medical records and health information technicians will increase by 20% through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations(3). Through UMA's specialized healthcare training program, students can learn how to use health information systems to assemble, store and analyze patient data, as well as assess and monitor the quality of records. They'll also have the opportunity to master the practical application of coding diagnoses and procedures, laws and certification standards, and relevant management skills.

Students who successfully complete their associate degree can benefit from the Think, Build, Live Success™ (TBLS) training, life skills and self-empowerment curriculum that is integrated into all UMA healthcare training programs. This unique offering helps graduates acquire a well-rounded background that balances interpersonal and organization skills with technical knowledge. TBLS also provides valuable support to job-seekers, imparting useful techniques for conducting a targeted job search - such as tracking job leads and communicating with prospective employers.

To learn more about UMA's online healthcare training - including the Associate Degree in Healthcare Management and the Associate Degree in Health Information Technology - as well as its campus-based programs, visit http://www.ultimatemedical.edu.  

About Ultimate Medical Academy

Founded in 1994 and located in Florida, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers dynamic healthcare training that empowers students to enter and advance within the growing allied health field. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and dedicated to providing a superior education in a supportive, professional and ethical environment. With locations in Tampa and Clearwater as well as online healthcare programs, UMA has helped thousands of students launch healthcare careers in Florida and beyond. The institution has earned the respect of employers and students alike due to its industry-focused healthcare courses and proactive job placement services.

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.

(1) "Overview of the 2008-2018 Projections." http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm

(2) "Medical and Health Services Managers." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm

(3) "Medical Records and Health Information Technicians." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm

Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. For information on student graduation rates, retention and placement rates, and student financial obligations visit http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/consumerinfo

Media Inquires:

Tricia Wong
Director of Marketing
Ultimate Medical Academy
Phone: 813-676-1646

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SOURCE Ultimate Medical Academy